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Celebrate African American Heritage Month by honoring the rich history and culture of the black community - through events, education, and reflection.
Get ready to celebrate African American Heritage Month starting on February 1! This month is a time to honor and recognize the incredible contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. From civil rights activists to artists, musicians, athletes, and more – this month is a celebration of the rich culture and heritage of African Americans in the United States. It all started back in 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson established "Negro History Week", which eventually evolved into what we know today as African American Heritage Month. So let's come together and celebrate the diversity and resilience of the African American community!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1926</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Negro History Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>Historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announce the second week of February to be "Negro History Week".</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1969</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Black History Month Proposal</div><div class='timeline-text'>Black educators and the Black United Students at Kent State University propose Black History Month.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Celebration of Black History Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>Black History Month is first celebrated at Kent State University in Ohio from January 2 to February 28.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1976</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States recognizes February as Black History Month during the country's bicentennial. President Gerald Ford urges Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans".</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1995</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Canada Joins the Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>Canada officially recognizes February as Black History Month after a motion by the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected to Parliament.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UK Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>United Kingdom officially recognizes October as Black History Month; previously it had been honored informally in various regions.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local events calendar for any African American heritage festivals happening in your area. These events are a great way to learn about the culture, try traditional foods, and see performances showcasing African American art, music, and dance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a museum or historical site</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to a museum or historical site dedicated to African American history and heritage. This can be a great opportunity to learn more about important figures and events that have shaped the African American experience.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support Black-owned businesses</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use this month as an opportunity to support and uplift Black-owned businesses in your community. This could mean shopping at a local boutique, trying out a new restaurant, or attending a concert or event organized by a Black entrepreneur.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read books by African American authors</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to read literature written by African American authors, whether it's a classic like "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, or a contemporary novel like "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas. This can help expand your understanding of the Black experience and support Black voices in literature.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer with a local organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a volunteer opportunity with a local organization that supports the African American community. This could involve tutoring students, helping out at a community center, or participating in a neighborhood clean-up project.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates and honors the rich history and achievements of African Americans</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the diverse contributions that African Americans have made to society. From civil rights leaders and activists to innovators in science, art, and literature, this month is a time to honor their impact and legacy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness for ongoing struggles and inequalities faced by the African American community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>While acknowledging past accomplishments, Black History Month also sheds light on the ongoing fight against discrimination and inequity faced by African Americans. It serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done in order to achieve true equality for all individuals.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes education and understanding of African American culture and experiences</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Black History Month encourages people to learn about different aspects of African American culture, including traditions, art forms, music, cuisine, and more. It also provides an opportunity for individuals to listen to and learn from the stories and experiences of African Americans, fostering a greater sense of empathy and understanding.</p></div></div>
African American Heritage Month is celebrated on February 1 every year. In 2024, African American Heritage Month will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Feb 1
Wednesday
2024
Feb 1
Thursday
2025
Feb 1
Saturday
2026
Feb 1
Sunday
2027
Feb 1
Monday
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